Ngau Chi Wan Construction Workers Protest Unpaid Wages, One Climbs Bridge Parapet
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 7 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Over ten workers staged a protest outside a construction site on Clear Water Bay Road in Ngau Chi Wan on Thursday afternoon, claiming they had not received their wages. During the demonstration, one worker became highly agitated, climbing onto the parapet of the road bridge in front of the site and hanging a banner over the edge. Police, firefighters and ambulance officers rushed to the scene, with negotiators deployed and a rescue air cushion laid out on the road below. The worker was eventually coaxed back to safety with assistance from rescue personnel around 4 pm. Authorities have classified the case as a labour dispute and are investigating. The incident caused significant traffic congestion, with some lanes temporarily closed before reopening after the situation was resolved.
Key Points
- The protest took place at approximately 1:30 pm on Thursday (November 12, 2026) at a construction site on Clear Water Bay Road in Ngau Chi Wan
- More than ten workers unfurled a banner demanding unpaid wages, prompting emergency response
- One worker sat precariously on the bridge parapet and suspended a banner from the structure
- Rescue teams deployed an air cushion on the road below and negotiators engaged the distressed worker
- The Hong Kong Construction Industry Workers' Union urged affected workers to register with the Labour Department
Why It Matters
The incident underscores the ongoing vulnerability of construction workers to wage delays in Hong Kong's building industry. The involvement of rescue services and traffic disruptions highlights the wider social impact when wage disputes escalate. The union's call for workers to formalize complaints reflects concerns that such disputes may be underreported, leaving workers without legal protection.
The incident underscores the ongoing vulnerability of construction workers to wage delays in Hong Kong's building industry. The involvement of rescue services and traffic disruptions highlights the wider social impact when wage disputes escalate. The union's call for workers to formalize complaints reflects concerns that such disputes may be underreported, leaving workers without legal protection.